Liverpool news: Ex-Premier League referee issues emphatic verdict as controversial Sadio Mane footage emerges
Keith Hackett has hailed VAR’s “really good decision” to allow Sadio Mane’s goal as Liverpool beat West Ham on Saturday (5 March).
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the ex-Fifa and Premier League referee claimed goals like Mane’s have been disallowed in the past and it was encouraging to see VAR allow it to stand.
The technology and its operator had a really tight call to make when the forward converted from close range after a Trent Alexander-Arnold shot turned into a pass.
As shown on the BBC’s Match of the Day programme, Mane was just being played onside by Craig Dawson.
It was his 14th goal of the season and it was Alexander-Arnold’s 16th assist of the season although he admitted to Sky Sports after the game it was a miscued shot.
“John Moss had a really good game,” Hackett said after analysing the game with Football Insider correspondent Connor Whitley.
“I think that he kept out of it and kept the game flowing, he read it really well and dealt with challenges very effectively.
“Overall, he and his team were top drawer.
“What I really liked was, it was a really tight offside call. In the past, we’ve seen those disallowed.
“That was a really appropriate and really good decision from VAR and that helped the situation.
“It was using the technology really well.”
Liverpool remain six points behind Premier League leaders Man City after both sides won at the weekend.
The Reds have a game in hand over City with 11 fixtures remaining in the league season.
In other news, it can be revealed Liverpool are on course to make a “phenomenal” £550million announcement.